Methods and compositions for treating or preventing erythema

ABSTRACT

Methods and products for treating or preventing erythema or a symptom associated with erythema in a subject are described. The methods involve topically applying to an affected skin area a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/544,663, filed Aug. 20, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/449,079 filed Jun. 8, 2006, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,838,563 on Nov. 23, 2010, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/853,585 filed May 25, 2004, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,439,241 on Oct. 21, 2008, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/473,611, filed May 27, 2003. This application is also entitled to priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/282,754, filed Mar. 26, 2010. The contents of all of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Erythema is a skin condition characterized by redness or rash of the skin. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation. It can also occur as a reaction to medications, illness or emotions. It can further occur for reasons currently unknown. Erythema is difficult to treat. Currently available treatments for erythema mainly treat the underlying diseases and avoid known triggers. These treatments are of limited effectiveness, particularly for erythema with unknown causes.

It has been described that α adrenoceptor agonists, such as brimonidine and oxymetazoline, can be used for topical treatment of erythema. See U.S. Pat. No. 7,439,241 to DeJovin et al., the priority of which is properly claimed by the present application and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,812,049 to Shanler et al.

Side effects following topical administration of an α adrenoceptor agonist, particularly those resulting from systemic exposure, may impose limitations on the chronic topical application of α adrenoceptor agonists to the skin. For example, brimonidine, available as either a monotherapy or an adjunctive therapy to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in the treatment of glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT), can be absorbed systemically to a limited extent following ophthalmic application as demonstrated by reduction in blood pressure and decrease in heart rate. The most common side effects associated with brimonidine therapy are dry mouth, fatigue/drowsiness, headache, mild hyperemia, blurred vision and foreign body sensation. Hypertension, palpitations and syncope have been reported by less than 3% patients in clinical trials involving brimonidine ophthalmic treatment. See McGhie, Journal of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin, May/June 2001, at World Wide Web: pswi.org/professional/pharmaco/brimonidine.pdf, and references therein. Results from the dose-ranging study in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension showed that although 0.5% (w/w) had higher efficacy in the early phase of treatment, the 0.5% (w/w) and 0.2% (w/w) had similar efficacy after two weeks of treatment, and that 0.5% (w/w) had more systemic and ocular side effects than 0.2% (w/w). See, e.g., Walters, Survey of Ophthalmology, 1996, 41: S19-S26). Ophthalmic formulations containing 0.2% (w/w) brimonidine have been used for chronic applications to treat glaucoma and ocular hypertension, while that containing 0.5% (w/w) brimonidine has been only used for acute therapy for the prevention of postoperative intraocular pressure spikes. In order to reduce a variety of ocular and systemic side-effects associated with the ophthalmic application of 0.2% (w/w) brimonidine, ophthalmic formulations containing lower concentrations of brimonidine, e.g., 0.15% (w/w) or 0.1% (w/w), have been subsequently developed and used for chronic ophthalmic applications.

DeJovin et al. recognizes the need of a topical skin composition that insures that the α adrenoceptor agonists are effective in the skin of a patient but do not penetrate the skin in sufficient amounts to induce serious systemic side effects. It describes topical formulations containing an α adrenoceptor agonist at about 0.01% (w/w) to about 5% (w/w), preferably about 0.05% (w/w) to about 1% (w/w), more preferably about 0.1% (w/w) to about 0.2% (w/w), for treating erythema associated with rosacea. It provides examples on various possible topical formulations that can be used for topical administration of a adrenoceptor agonists, e.g., aqueous solution topical formulation, cream topical formulation, ointment formulation, and aqueous gel formulations. DeJovin et al. also includes examples demonstrating the therapeutic effectiveness of a adrenoceptor agonists, such as brimonidine, oxymetazoline and naphazoline, in treating erythema. However, it contains no example or illustration on the safety of the treatment.

To ensure the safety and avoid unacceptable side effects, a previous clinical study used 0.2% (w/w) brimonidine tartrate as the “high” dosage for treating erythema. See US 2009/0061020 to Theobald et al.

Oxymetazoline, available in 0.025% (w/w) or 0.05% (w/w) solution as a topical decongestant, has been recommended not to be used for more than three days, because rebound congestion, rhinitis medicamentosa, and other side effects may occur, see Ramey et al., J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2006; Vol. 16(3): 148-155.

Shanler et al. describes the use of a composition comprising about 0.05% (w/w) to about 30% (w/w), preferably about 0.001% (w/w) up to about 3% (w/w), α1 adrenoceptor agonist, such as oxymetazoline, for treating erythema resulting from rosacea. It generally describes that the “compositions according to the invention may comprise all pharmaceutical forms normally utilized for the topical route of administration and known to practitioners of this art including solutions, gels, lotions creams, ointments, foams, mousses, emulsions, microemulsions, milks, serums, aerosols, sprays, dispersions, microcapsules, vesicles and microparticles thereof.” Shanler et al. does not provide examples on possible formulations that may be used, nor examples on the effectiveness or safety of any treatment.

There remains the need of a safe and effective treatment of erythema or a related symptom by using a topical skin composition that delivers a therapeutically effective amount of a adrenoceptor agonist to the affected skin area without causing unacceptable side effects.

In the present invention, it has been discovered that topical administration to an affected skin area an α adrenoceptor agonist, such as brimonidine, in a topical aqueous gel composition resulted in significantly less systemic exposure than topical ophthalmic application. It has been found that although systemic exposure increased with the applied dose of brimonidine, statistical analysis showed that the increase in systemic exposure (C_(max)) was not dose proportional, i.e., the increase in the mean C_(max) was much less than the increase in the dose. It has also been discovered that, unlike the topical ophthalmic application, topical administration to an affected skin area a higher concentration of an α adrenoceptor agonist, such as 0.5% (w/w) brimonidine, in a topical aqueous gel composition resulted in increased efficacy without observable loss of effectiveness over time. No unacceptable adverse event was observed with the treatment of higher concentration of an α-adrenergic receptor agonist tested.

Accordingly, it has unexpectedly been discovered that a topical aqueous gel composition has achieved superior clinical properties, e.g., allowing more effective treatment of erythema without causing unacceptable side effect, even at higher concentrations of the α adrenoceptor agonist.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one general aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of treating or preventing erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a subject, the method comprising topically administering to a skin area of the subject a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% (w/w) to 10% (w/w) of at least one α adrenergic receptor agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the skin area is, or is prone to be, affected by the erythema or the symptom associated therewith.

In another general aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of producing a packaged product for providing a safe and effective treatment of erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a subject. The method comprises:

(1) obtaining a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) of at least one α adrenergic receptor agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;

(2) devising instructions for topically administering the topical aqueous gel composition to a skin area that is, or is prone to be, affected by the erythema or the symptom associated therewith to obtain the safe and effective treatment, and

(3) providing the topical aqueous gel composition and the instructions in a unified package.

In another general aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a topical aqueous gel composition for providing a safe and effective treatment of erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a subject, comprising about 0.4 (w/w) to about 0.6% (w/w) brimonidine tartrate and about 0.8% to 1.5% carbomer.

In a preferred embodiment, the α adrenergic receptor agonist used in or encompassed by embodiments of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of brimonidine, oxymetazoline and naphazoline.

In another preferred embodiment, the topical aqueous gel composition used in or encompassed by embodiments of the present invention comprises about 0.4% (w/w) to about 0.6% (w/w) brimonidine tartrate.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the erythema is erythema of rosacea.

Other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following disclosure, including the detailed description of the invention and its preferred embodiments and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited by the drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates composite success on Day 1, Day 15 and Day 29 after the initial treatment, using last observation carried forward (LOCF) approach in the intent to treat (ITT) population;

FIG. 2 illustrates CEA success on Day 1, Day 15 and Day 29 after the initial treatment, using LOCF approach in the ITT population; and

FIG. 3 illustrates PSA-5 success on Day 1, Day 15 and Day 29 after the initial treatment using LOCF approach in the ITT population.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Various publications, articles and patents are cited or described in the background and throughout the specification, each of these references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which have been included in the present specification is for the purpose of providing context for the present invention. Such discussion is not an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art with respect to any inventions disclosed or claimed.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Otherwise, certain terms used herein have the meanings as set in the specification. All patents, published patent applications and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “erythema or a symptom associated therewith” is intended to encompass any type or classification of abnormal skin redness associated with or resulting from rosacea, e.g., erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a patient with rosacea. A major symptom of rosacea is erythema, which is a skin disorder that generally affects the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead of a patient.

The term “erythema or a symptom associated therewith” encompasses different degrees or grades of erythema or a symptom associated therewith, from mild to severe.

For example, erythema or a symptom associated therewith can be rated by a clinician based on Clinician's Erythema Assessment Score (CEA) on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 being clear skin with no signs of erythema; 1 being almost clear, slight redness; 2 being mild erythema, definite redness; 3 being moderate redness; and 4 being severe redness.

Erythema or a symptom associated therewith can also be rated by a patient based on Patient's Self Assessment (PSA, also called PSA-5 herein) on a scale from 0 to 4, with 0 being no redness; 1 being very mild redness; 2 being mild redness; 3 being moderate redness and 4 being severe redness.

In view of the present disclosure, a skin area that is affected by erythema or that is prone to be affected by erythema can be identified using any diagnostic signs or means known in the art, and can be treated by methods according to embodiments of the present invention.

The efficacy of the treatment can be measured using method known in the art. For example, the efficacy can be measured by the grades of improvement as evaluated by CEA, PSA or the combination of CEA and PSA, and the duration of the improvement.

α-adrenergic receptor agonists of the present teachings include any α-adrenergic receptor agonist known to skilled artisans. In some aspects, an α-adrenergic receptor agonist can be an α-adrenergic receptor agonist selective for α1-adrenergic receptors, an α-adrenergic receptor agonist selective for α2-adrenergic receptors, or an α-adrenergic receptor agonist non-selective for either α1 or α2-adrenergic receptors.

As used herein, a selective α1-adrenergic receptor agonist is an agonist for which the EC₅₀ with respect to an α1-adrenergic receptor is less than the EC₅₀ with respect to an α2-adrenergic receptor, while a selective α2-adrenergic receptor agonist is an agonist for which the EC₅₀ with respect to an α2-adrenergic receptor is less than the EC₅₀ with respect to an α1-adrenergic receptor, wherein the EC₅₀ for an agonist is defined as the molar concentration of the agonist which produces 50% of the maximum possible response of a receptor to that agonist.

Some non-limiting examples of α-adrenergic receptor agonists which can be used in the present compositions and methods include: amphetamine, apraclonidine, brimonidine, clonidine, clonidine, dexmedetomidine, dextroamphetamine, dopamine, I-dobutamine, ephedrine, epinephrine, epinine (N-methyl-dopamine), ethylnorepinephrine, guanabenz, guanfacine, levarterenol, lofexidine, mephentermine, metaraminol, methamphetamine, methoxamine, α-methyldopa, α-methylnorepinephrine, methylphenidate, mivazerol, mitodrine, moxonidine, naphazoline, norepinephrine, norphenylephrine, oxymetazoline, pemolinepropylhexedrine, phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, propylhexedrine, tetrahydrozoline, tizanidine, xylometazoline, (8-bromo-quinoxalin-6-yl)-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-amine, (8-bromo-quinoxalin-5-yl)-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-amine, (5-bromo-3-methyl-quinoxalin-6-yl)-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-amine, (5-bromo-2-methoxy-quinoxalin-6-yl)-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-amine, (4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-(8-methyl-quinoxalin-6-yl)-amine, and (4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-quinoxalin-5-yl-amine.

Compositions of the present teachings include one or more α-adrenergic receptor agonists, prodrugs thereof, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, hydrates thereof, solvates thereof and combinations thereof, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,439,241, which are incorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, the term “brimonidine” refers to the compound (5-bromo-quinoxalin-6-yl)-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-amine having the structure of formula (I):

and any pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound, including, but not limited to, brimonidine tartrate.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable salt(s)”, as used herein, means those salts of a compound of interest that are safe and effective for topical use in mammals and that possess the desired biological activity. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include salts of acidic or basic groups present in the specified compounds. Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include, but are not limited to, hydrochloride, hydrobromide, hydroiodide, nitrate, sulfate, bisulfate, phosphate, acid phosphate, isonicotinate, acetate, lactate, salicylate, citrate, tartrate, pantothenate, bitartrate, ascorbate, succinate, maleate, gentisinate, fumarate, gluconate, glucaronate, saccharate, formate, benzoate, glutamate, methanesulfonate, ethanesulfonate, benzensulfonate, p-toluenesulfonate and pamoate (i.e., 1,1′-methylene-bis-(2-hydroxy-3-naphthoate)) salts. Certain compounds used in the present invention can form pharmaceutically acceptable salts with various amino acids. Suitable base salts include, but are not limited to, aluminum, calcium, lithium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and diethanolamine salts. For a review on pharmaceutically acceptable salts see BERGE ET AL., 66 J. PHARM. SCI. 1-19 (1977), incorporated herein by reference.

The term “topical aqueous gel composition,” as used herein, means any aqueous gel formulation or composition which is pharmaceutically and/or cosmetically acceptable for topical delivery of the specified compounds according to embodiments of the invention.

As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredient in the specified amount, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combinations of the specified ingredient in the specified amount.

As used herein, the term “subject” means any animal, preferably a mammal, most preferably a human, to whom will be or has been administered compounds or topical formulations according to embodiments of the invention. Preferably, a subject is in need of, or has been the object of observation or experiment of, treatment or prevention of erythema or a symptom associated therewith.

As used herein, the term “instructions” when used in the context of a packaged product includes a publication, a recording, a diagram or any other medium of expression which can be used to communicate the usefulness of the packaged product for its designated use. The instructions can, for example, be affixed to or included within a container for the packaged product.

As used herein, the term “treatment” or “treating” refers to an amelioration, prophylaxis, or reversal of erythema or a symptom associated therewith, for example, by lessening or delaying the onset of the redness of the skin affected by the erythema or the symptom.

As used herein, a “safe and effective amount” means the amount of an α-adrenergic receptor agonist that is effective to treat erythema or a symptom associated therewith, without causing unacceptable drug related adverse events, when administered to a subject.

As used herein, the phrase “unacceptable drug related adverse events,” “unacceptable adverse drug events,” and “unacceptable adverse drug reaction,” shall all mean harm or undesired outcome associated with or caused by a proposed use of a drug, and the harm or undesired outcome reaches such a severity that a regulatory agency deems the drug unacceptable for the proposed use.

It has been discovered in the present invention that topical administration of a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of an α-adrenergic receptor agonist, such as brimonidine, to a skin area affected by erythema or a symptom associated therewith, provides effective treatment of erythema or a symptom associated therewith, without causing unacceptable drug related adverse events. For example, it has been discovered that topical administration to a skin area affected by erythema or a symptom associated therewith a topical aqueous gel composition comprising increasing concentration of an α-adrenergic receptor agonist, such as brimonidine, resulted in a clear dosage responsive increase in the efficacy and an increase in the systemic exposure. However, statistical analysis showed that the increase in systemic exposure (C_(max)) was not dose proportional, e.g., the increase in mean C_(max) was much less than the increase in dose. It has also been discovered that, unlike the topical ophthalmic application, topical administration to an affected skin area a higher concentration of an α adrenoceptor agonist, such as 0.5% (w/w) brimonidine, in a topical aqueous gel composition resulted in increased efficacy without observable loss of efficacy over time. No unacceptable adverse event was observed with the treatment of higher concentrations of an α-adrenergic receptor agonist tested. Topical skin treatments of erythema or a symptom associated therewith all concentrations and regimens tested resulted in significantly lower systemic exposure to brimonidine than the treatment with eye drops applied as recommended in the label of the ophthalmic products.

Such superior clinical activities of the topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of an α-adrenergic receptor agonist have not been previously reported. The present discovery is surprising and unexpected, particularly in view of the previously reported efficacy and safety profiles of α-adrenergic receptor agonists in other applications, such as brimonidine in ophthalmic applications, where a significant loss of effectiveness over time was seen with the brimonidine 0.5% (w/w) formulation and the chronic use of much lower concentrations of brimonidine, e.g., 0.1% or 0.15% by weight, is preferred, because the lower concentrations provide improved tolerability while maintaining IOP-lowering efficacy.

Accordingly, in one general aspect, embodiments of the present invention relate to a method of treating or preventing erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a subject. The method comprising topically administering to a skin area of the subject a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) of at least one α adrenergic receptor agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the skin area is, or is prone to be, affected by the erythema or the symptom associated therewith.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the topical administration of the topical aqueous gel composition comprising a safe and effective amount of brimonidine, such as about 0.01% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) brimonidine, to an affected skin area effects a serum or plasma profile of brimonidine having a mean C_(max) of about 54±28 pg/mL or less and a mean AUC_(0-24 hr) of about 568±277 pg·hr/mL or less. The mean C_(max) and the mean AUC_(0-24 hr) correspond to the serum or plasma profile of brimonidine after ophthalmic treatment with 0.2% (w/w) brimonidine tartrate eye drops as recommended in the label of the ophthalmic product.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, upon topically administering the topical aqueous gel formulation to the affected skin area, the onset of noticeable effect, i.e., at least 1-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom, is observed. When sufficiently high concentration of an α adrenergic receptor agonist is included in the topical aqueous gel formulation, the noticeable effect is then progressed to maximum improvement, which includes 2-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom that lasts for a sustained period of time. The maximum improvement then declines to noticeable effect, which then disappears. The grades of improvement of the erythema or the symptom can be evaluated by Clinician's Erythema Assessment Score (CEA), a Patient's Self Assessment (PSA), or a combination of CEA and PSA.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the topical administration of a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) α adrenergic receptor agonist, such as brimonidine, to a skin area affected by erythema or a symptom associated therewith results in significantly more effective treatment of the erythema and the symptom than a vehicle control for reduction of the erythema and the symptom as measured by a 12 hour success profile evaluated on both CEA and PSA scales, without causing any unacceptable adverse effect.

In one embodiment, the 12 hour success profile comprises at least 1-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the topical administration of a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.3% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) α adrenergic receptor agonist, such as brimonidine, to a skin area affected by erythema or a symptom associated therewith resulted in significantly more reduction of the erythema and the symptom compared to a vehicle control as measured by a 12 hour success profile evaluated on both CEA and PSA scales, without causing any unacceptable adverse effect. In a particular embodiment, the erythema and the symptom is facial erythema associated with rosacea.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the 12 hour success profile comprises a noticeable effect of 1-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom and about 1 hour to about 8 hours of a 2-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom. According to embodiments of the present invention, the 2-grade improvement lasts, for example, at least about 6 hours, at least about 5 hours, at least about 4 hours, at least about 3 hours, at least about 2 hours or at least about 1 hour, depending on the α adrenergic receptor agonist used, the applied dose, the particular subject, the severity and complications of erythema being treated, etc.

In a preferred embodiment, the 12 hour success profile comprises a noticeable effect of 1-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom and about 2 hours to about 7 hours of a 2-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom.

In another preferred embodiment, the 12 hour success profile comprises a noticeable effect of 1-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom and about 3 hours to about 6 hours of a 2-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the 12 hour success profile comprises a noticeable effect of 1-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom and about 2 hours to about 5 hours of a 2-grade improvement of the erythema or the symptom.

In a preferred embodiment, the erythema is erythema of rosacea.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0%, 3.5%, 4.0%, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5% or 10.0%, by weight of an α adrenergic receptor agonist selected from the group consisting of brimonidine, oxymetazoline, naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, mephentermine, metaraminol, midodrine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.4%, about 0.45%, about 0.5%, about 0.55% or about 0.6%, by weight of an α adrenergic receptor agonist selected from the group consisting of brimonidine, oxymetazoline, naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, mephentermine, metaraminol, midodrine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

In a preferred embodiment, the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.5% by weight of an α adrenergic receptor agonist, such as about 0.5% by weight of brimonidine tartrate, or 0.5% by weight of an α adrenergic receptor agonist selected from the group consisting of oxymetazoline, naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, mephentermine, metaraminol, midodrine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

To treat or prevent erythema or a symptom associated therewith, in view of the present disclosure, the topical aqueous gel composition of the invention can be topically applied directly to the affected area in any conventional manner known in the art, e.g., by dropper, applicator stick, or cotton swab, as a mist via an aerosol applicator, via an intradermal or transdermal patch, or by simply spreading a formulation of the invention onto the affected area with fingers, a sponge, a pad, or wipes. Generally, the amount of a topical formulation of the invention applied to the affected skin area ranges from about 0.0001 g/cm² of skin surface area to about 0.05 g/cm², preferably, 0.002 g/cm² to about 0.005 g/cm² of skin surface area. Typically, one to four applications per day are recommended during the term of treatment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the topical aqueous gel composition is topically applied to the affected skin area once daily.

Methods of the present invention can be used in conjunction with one or more other treatments and medications for erythema or a symptom associated therewith, such as the medications used to treat the underlying disease that causes erythema, antihistamines to control itching, antibiotics, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, acetaminophen, etc.

The other medicament or treatment can be administered to the subject simultaneously with, or in a sequence and within a time interval of, the administration of brimonidine, such that the active ingredients or agents can act together to treat or prevent erythema and symptoms associated therewith. For example, the other medicament or treatment and brimonidine can be administered in the same or separate formulations at the same or different times, i.e., before or after. Any suitable route of administration can be employed to deliver the additional treatment or medication.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a packaged product for providing a safe and effective treatment of erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a subject. The method comprises:

(1) obtaining a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) of an α adrenergic receptor agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;

(2) devising instructions for topically administering the topical composition to a skin area affected by the erythema or the symptom to obtain the safe and effective treatment; and

(3) providing the topical aqueous gel composition and the instructions in a unified package.

In one embodiment of the invention, the topical aqueous gel composition is contained within one suitable container, such as a dropper, a jar, or a tube with a suitable small orifice size, such as an extended tip tube, made of any pharmaceutically suitable material. The topical formulations according to embodiments of the invention can be filled and packaged into a plastic squeeze bottle or tube. Suitable container-closure systems for packaging a topical formulations of the invention are commercially available for example, from Wheaton Plastic Products, 1101 Wheaton Avenue, Millville, N.J. 08332. Optionally, an applicator can be provided in or attached to the container, or separately from the container.

In one embodiment of the invention, the instructions are, for example, a pamphlet or package label. The instructions explain how to administer topical aqueous gel formulations of the invention, in an amount and for a period of time sufficient to provide a safe and effective treatment of erythema or a symptom associated therewith. Preferably, the instructions include, for example, the dosage and administration instructions, the topical aqueous gel formulation's composition, the clinical pharmacology, drug resistance, pharmacokinetics, absorption, bioavailability, and contraindications.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a topical aqueous gel composition for providing a safe and effective treatment of erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a subject. The topical gel composition comprises:

about 0.01% (w/w) to about 10% (w/w) an α adrenergic receptor agonist; and

about 0.20% (w/w) to about 4.0% (w/w) gelling agent.

The topically administrable composition are prepared by mixing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier with the safe and effective amount of the α adrenergic receptor agonist, such as brimonidine, according to known methods in the art, for example, methods provided by standard reference texts such as, REMINGTON: THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACY 1577-1591, 1672-1673, 866-885(Alfonso R. Gennaro ed. 19th ed. 1995); Ghosh, T. K.; et al. TRANSDERMAL AND TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS (1997), both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

In a preferred embodiment, the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.4% to about 0.6% by weight of an α adrenergic receptor agonist selected from the group consisting of brimonidine, oxymetazoline, naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, mephentermine, metaraminol, midodrine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.

More preferably, the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.5% by weight of brimonidine tartrate.

Suitable gelling agents known in the art, including those used in the two-phase or single-phase gel systems, can be used in the present invention. Some examples of suitable gelling agents are disclosed in REMINGTON: THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACY 1517-1518 (Alfonso R. Gennaro ed. 19th ed. 1995), which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. The gelling agents used in embodiments of the present invention, include, but are not limited to, one or more hydrophilic and hydroalcoholic gelling agents used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Preferably, the hydrophilic or hydroalcoholic gelling agent comprises “CARBOPOL®” (B.F. Goodrich, Cleveland, Ohio), “HYPAN®” (Kingston Technologies, Dayton, N.J.), “NATROSOL®” (Aqualon, Wilmington, Del.), “KLUCEL®” (Aqualon, Wilmington, Del.), or “STABILEZE®” (ISP Technologies, Wayne, N.J.). The preferred compositional weight percent range for “CARBOPOL®” is between about 0.5% to about 2%, while the preferred weight percent range for “NATROLSOL®” and “KLUCEL®” is between about 0.5% to about 4%. The preferred compositional weight percent range for both “HYPAN®” and “STABILEZE®” is between 0.5% to about 4%. Other preferred gelling agents include hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose gum, MVE/MA decadiene crosspolymer, PVM/MA copolymer, glycerine polyacrylate, or a combination thereof.

Examples of carbomers that can be used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, Carbomer 910, 934P, 940, 941, 980 and 1342, and Carbopol® 974P and Carbopol® 980. Preferably, the carbomer is Carbomer 934P or Carbopol® 974P, and Carbopol® 980.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the amount of the carbomer in the composition is about 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.85%, 0.95%, 1.05%, 1.15%, 1.25%, 1.35%, 1.45%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9% or 2.0% (w/w).

In a preferred embodiment, the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.4 (w/w) to about 0.6% (w/w) brimonidine tartrate and about 0.8% to 1.5% carbomer.

Polyol gel formulations with various ingredients solubilized therein have been used to minimize irritation when applied to the skin of a subject, while ensuring bioavailability of the active agent in the formulation. See Ofher III et al. “Gels and Jellies,” pp. 1327-1344 of Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology, vol. 3 (ed. by Swarbrick, et al, pub. by Marcel Dekker, 2002); or Pena, “Gel Dosage Forms: Theory, Formulation, and Processing,” pp. 381-388 of Topical Drug Delivery Formulations, (ed. by Osborne et al., pub. by Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1990). Polyols in gel formulations can serve one or more functions such as solubilizing agents, moisturizers, emollients, skin humectant, skin-penetration agents, etc. Suitable polyols that can be used in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, glycerine, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycols, such as polyethylene glycol 200 to 600.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the amount of the total polyols in the composition is about 5.0% to 30.0% (w/w), for example, about 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0%, 6.5%, 7.0%, 7.5%, 8.0%, 8.5%, 9.0%, 9.5%, 10.0%, 10.5%, 11.0%, 11.5%, 12.0%, 12.5%, 13.0%, 13.5%, 14.0%, 14.5%, 15.0%, 17%, 20%, 25% or 30% (w/w).

Preferably, the topical gel composition comprises a first polyol and a second polyol, such as propylene glycol and glycerine, respectively.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the amount of each of the first and second polyols in the composition is independently about 4 to 15%, such as 4.5% to 6.5% (w/w), for example, 4.5%, 5.0%, 5.5%, 6.0% or 6.5% (w/w).

The pH of the topical formulations of the invention are preferably within a physiologically acceptable pH, e.g., within the range of about 4 to about 8, preferably, of about 6 to about 7.5, and more preferably about 4.5 to 6.5. To stabilize the pH, preferably, an effective amount of a buffer is included. In one embodiment, the buffering agent is present in the aqueous topical formulation in an amount of from about 0.05 to about 1 weight percent of the formulation.

The topical gel composition of the present invention can include one or more other ingredients, such as a protective agent, a cosmetic agent, an adsorbent, a preservative, an antioxidant, a surfactant, a skin-penetration agent, local anesthetics, analgesics etc.

In a preferred embodiment, a topical gel composition according to embodiments of the invention further comprises water dispersible form of titanium dioxide (TiO2), preferably at an amount that is sufficient to mask the color of brimonidine or another colored ingredient in the formulation, but would not cause irritation to the skin. TiO2 may cause mild irritation and reddening to the eyes, thus eye contact with the TiO2—containing topically administrable composition should be avoided. Titanium dioxide imparts a whiteness to the topically administrable composition and helps to increase the opacity and reduce the transparency of the composition. Titanium dioxide absorbs, reflects, or scatters light (including ultraviolet radiation in light), which can help protect products from deterioration. Titanium dioxide can also be used as a sunscreen to protect the user from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation that is part of sunlight.

According to embodiments of the present invention, the amount of water dispersible form of titanium dioxide in the composition is about 0.04 to 0.2%, such as 0.04%, 0.0425%, 0.0525%, 0.0625%, 0.0725%, 0.0825%, 0.09%, 0.10%, 0.15%, or 0.20% (w/w).

Suitable preservatives include, but are not limited to, quaternary ammonium compounds, such as benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, cetrimide, dequalinium chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride; alcoholic agents, for example, chlorobutanol, phenylethyl alcohol, and benzyl alcohol; parabens such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben; antibacterial esters, for example, esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid; and other anti-microbial agents such as chlorhexidine, chlorocresol, benzoic acid, polymyxin, and phenoxyethanol. Preferably, the preservative is selected from the group consisting of sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, imidazolidinyl urea and diazolidinyl urea.

In addition to the α adrenergic receptor agonist, such as brimonidine, the topically administrable composition according to embodiments of the invention can optionally include one or more other pharmaceutically active ingredients, including, but not limited to, one or more other α adrenergic receptor agonist, medications used to treat the underlying disease that causes erythema, antihistamines to control itching, antibiotics, corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, acetaminophen, etc.

This invention will be better understood by reference to the non-limiting examples that follow, but those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the examples are only illustrative of the invention as described more fully in the claims which follow thereafter.

Example 1 Treatment of Erythema by α-Adrenergic Agonists

This example illustrates the therapeutic effectiveness of various α-adrenergic agonists in treating erythema.

A number of α-adrenergic agonists were evaluated for their ability to topically suppress erythema in human skin induced by methyl nicotinate. The erythema produced in the skin results from the vasodilatory effect on the dermal vasculature by methyl nicotinate. In this model, the minimum erythemal dose (MED) produced on the forearm by methyl nicotinate is determined for each test subject. The MED is defined as the minimal dose that results in a defined circle of erythema. The MED was determined by saturating five 19 mm Hill Top Chambers with 220 μl of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm methyl nicotinate. The Hill Top Chambers were applied to the volar forearm of each test subject, removed after 30 seconds and excess liquid lightly blotted from the skin. The MED of methyl nicotinate was selected 10 minutes after application, by determining the minimal dose that resulted in a defined circle of erythema. The α-adrenergic agonists were dissolved in alcohol and topically applied (2 μl/cm 2) to selected sites on the contralateral volar forearm for 30 minutes prior to challenge with methyl nicotinate. Hill Top Chambers (19 mm) were saturated with 220 μl of the dose of methyl nicotinate determined to produce a MED for each test subject. The chambers were applied to the volar forearm treated with vehicle or test compounds, removed after 30 seconds and excess liquid was lightly blotted from the skin. Ten minutes after application of methyl nicotinate the test sites were evaluated for erythema. A numerical grading scale of 0 to 3 was used: 0=none, 0.5=barely perceptible, 1.0=mild, 1.5=mild+(mild to moderate), 2.0=moderate, 2.5=moderate+(moderate to severe), 3.0=severe.

The test results are shown in the table below and indicate that each of the tested compounds reduced the formation of the Methyl Nicotinate induced redness (erythema) in the test subjects. With both Oxymetazoline HCl and Naphazoline HCl the redness was fully blocked for two of the three subjects pursuant to the test conditions as described above.

TABLE 1 The Effect of α-Adrenergic Agonists on Methyl Nicotinate-Induced Erythema Pre-Treatment + Methyl Mean Erythema Nicotinate N Grade Alcohol Vehicle Control 3 3.0 0.2% Naphazoline HCl 3 0.33 0.2% Oxymetazoline HCl 3 1.0 0.2% Brimonidine 3 0.83

Example 2

A possible gel formulation of the invention is described in the Table 2 below.

TABLE 2 Possible Gel Formulation of the Invention Ingredients Weight % Brimonidine tartrate  1.0% Methylparaben NF 0.15% Propylparaben NF 0.03% Hydroxyethylcellulose 1.25% NF Disodium Edetate 0.05% USP Purified Water, USP QS 100%

Example 3

A possible gel formulation of the invention is described in the Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Possible Gel Formulation of the Invention Ingredients Weight % Brimonidine tartrate  1.0% Methylparaben 0.20% Propylparaben 0.05% Carbomer 934P NF  1.0% Sodium Hydroxide QS pH 7 Purified Water USP QS 100%

The ingredients are mixed together and aqueous sodium hydroxide is slowly added to the mixture until a pH of about 7 is reached and the gel is formed.

Example 4

A possible gel formulation of the invention is described in the Table 4 below.

TABLE 4 Possible Gel Formulation of the invention Ingredients Weight % Brimonidine tartrate 1.0% Methylparaben 0.2% Propylparaben 0.05%  “CARBOPOL ® ” 1.0% Triethanolamine QS pH 7 Water QS 100%

The ingredients are mixed together and stirred. Triethanolamine is added until a pH of about 7 is attained.

Example 5

This example illustrates additional topical aqueous gel formulations that can be used in the present invention.

A first group of additional gel formulations is described in Table 5 below.

TABLE 5 Ingredients % (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w) α-adrenergic agonist 0.3-0.6%   0.6-3%  3-10%  Methylparaben NF 0.15% 0.20% 0.10% Propylparaben NF 0.03% 0.02% 0.04% Hydroxyethylcellulose NF  1.0% 1.25%  1.5% Butylene glycol 1,3  3.0%  6.0% 18.0% Glycerine  2.0%  4.0% 12.0% Disodium Edetate USP 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% Purified Water, USP QS QS QS TOTAL  100%  100%  100%

The pH of the formulation is adjusted to about 4.5 to 7.0.

A second group of additional gel formulations is described in Table 6 below.

TABLE 6 Ingredients % (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w) α-adrenergic agonist 0.3-0.6%   0.6-3.0%   3.0-10%  Methylparaben 0.20% 0.20% 0.20% Propylparaben 0.05% 0.05% 0.05% KLUCEL ®  2.0%  2.5%  1.0% Propylene glycol   3%   6%   15% Glycerine, USP   3%   6%   15% 10% Titanium dioxide  0.5%  0.6%  0.7% Purified Water, USP QS QS QS TOTAL  100%  100%  100%

The ingredients are mixed together and aqueous sodium hydroxide is slowly added to the mixture until a pH of about 4.5 to 6.5 is reached and the gel is formed.

A third group of additional gel formulations is described in Table 7 below.

TABLE 7 Ingredient % (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w) α-adrenergic agonist 0.3-0.6%    0.6-3.0%   3.0-10%  Carbomer 934P 1.25%   1.0%  1.5% Methylparaben 0.2% 0.15% 0.20% Phenoxyethanol 0.4% 0.35%  0.4% Glycerol 5.5%   10%   15% Kowet titanium dioxide 0.0625%   0.0725%  0.0825%  Propylene glycol 5.5%   10%   15% DI Water QS QS QS TOTAL 100%   100%  100%

The ingredients are mixed together and aqueous sodium hydroxide is slowly added to the mixture until a pH of about 4.5 to 6.5 is reached and the gel is formed.

A fourth group of additional gel formulations is described in Table 8 below.

TABLE 8 Ingredients % (w/w) % (w/w) % (w/w) α-adrenergic agonist 0.3-0.6%   0.6-3.0%   3.0-10%  Methylparaben 0.15% 0.125%  0.1% Propylparaben 0.05%  0.05% 0.06% Carbopol ® 980  1.0%  0.8%  1.5% Glycerin  5.5%   10%   15% 10% Titanium dioxide 0.575%  0.675% 0.775%  Polyethylene glycol  4.5%    8%   12% Water QS QS QS TOTAL  100%   100%  100%

The ingredients are mixed together and stirred. Triethanolamine is added until a pH of about 5.5 to 7.0 is attained.

Example 6 Comparative Bioavailability and Pharmacokinetics Study of Brimonidine Compositions

This study was a randomized, evaluator-blinded, intra-individual comparative pharmacokinetic study of brimonidine tartrate, ophthalmic solution (0.2%) and topical gel (0.07%, 0.18% and 0.50%) applied under maximal use conditions for 29 days in subjects with moderate to severe erythema associated with rosacea. Major entrance criteria included clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe facial erythema associated with rosacea, CEA score≧3, and IOP level 11-21 mmHg. Intra-subject comparison of topical to ophthalmic exposure following one day treatment with brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% was performed.

A total of 102 subjects were randomized: 24, 26, 25, and 27 subjects in 0.5% Gel QD, 0.18% Gel BID, 0.18% Gel QD, and 0.07% Gel BID, respectively. On the Day 1 visit, one drop of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution 0.2% was administered to each eye every 8 hours over a 24 hour period. After a 2-day wash-out period, one gram of topical gel (0.07%, 0.18%, or 0.50% of brimonidine tartrate) was applied once (QD) or twice daily (BID) to the face of subjects for 4 weeks.

Blood samples for complete PK profiling were taken during the 24-hour ocular treatment (study Day 1) and during the first day of topical application (study Day 4), fifteen days of topical application (study Day 18) and after the last topical application up to 72 hours post-dose (study Day 32). Additional blood samples were collected before application (Day 10, Day 24). Brimonidine plasma concentrations were determined by using a validated LC-MS/MS method with a lower limit of quantification (LOQ) of 10 pg/mL.

The PK parameters for brimonidine were calculated using standard non-compartmental method and C_(max), AUC_(0-24 hr) were analyzed statistically using log-transformed data. For both the differences between times administration routes and between treatment groups, the limits of the intervals were back-transformed into exponential to obtain 90% confidence intervals (90% CI) of the ratios of geometric means on the original scale. The statistical analysis was performed using all C_(max) (BLQ values being replaced by the LOQ) and using only quantifiable AUC_(0-24 hr).

PK results demonstrated that:

(1) Ocular treatment: Administration of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% by ophthalmic route resulted in quantifiable exposure (>10 pg/mL) in all patients receiving TID treatment. The pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters of the ophthalmic solution have a mean C_(max) of 54±28 pg/mL (range: 16-134 pg/mL) and a mean AUC_(0-24 hr) of 568±277 pg·hr/mL (range: 124-1490 pg·hr/mL). These were consistent with the known data of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% (w/w) ophthalmic solution, e.g., NDA: 21-262, 0.2% Brimonidine Purite Multiple dose TID, C_(max) 65±38 pg/mL.

(2) Topical treatments: Daily topical application of brimonidine Gel for 29 days resulted in quantifiable (>10 pg/mL) systemic exposure in 24%, 48%, 68% and 75% of subjects receiving brimonidine Gel 0.07% BID, 0.18% QD, 0.18% BID or 0.5% QD, respectively. At the end of the treatment period, the mean (±SD) C_(max) were 13±9 pg/mL 17±20 pg/mL, 17±10 pg/mL, 25±24 pg/mL for brimonidine Gel 0.07% BID, 0.18% QD, 0.18% BID or 0.5% QD, respectively. Quantifiable AUC_(0-24 hr) were 172±87 pg·hr/mL, 183±113 pg·hr/mL, 267±119 pg·hr/mL, 364±216 pg·hr/mL for brimonidine Gel 0.07% BID, 0.18% QD, 0.18% BID or 0.5% QD, respectively.

The effect of multiple dose of brimonidine gel on PK profile (Time effect: Day 4/Day 18/Day 32) was assessed for each topical treatment groups. Systemic exposures of the first day of topical application were comparable to those observed after 29 days topical applications in all treatment groups, thus suggesting that there is no drug accumulation throughout the treatment duration (i.e. 4 weeks) whatever the dose and the dose regimen. Whatever the dose and dose regimen tested, the Ocular/Topical ratios calculated over the entire topical treatment period (Day 4, Day 18 and Day 32) was significantly lower than 1.

After topical application of brimonidine gel, systemic exposure increases with applied dose. However, statistical analysis showed that systemic exposure (C_(max)) is not dose proportional. The mean C_(max) increased lower than dose proportionality.

The topical systemic exposure (expressed as C_(max) or AUC_(0-24 hr)) from the skin treatment was compared to the one obtained after ocular treatment. See Table 9.

TABLE 9 statistical comparison of the ocular and topical treatments CD07805/47 Gel CD07805/47 Gel CD07805/47 Gel CD07805/47 Gel 0.5% QD 0.18% BID 0.18% QD 0.07% BID Parameter Estimate (90% CI) Estimate (90% CI) Estimate (90% CI) Estimate (90% CI) Cmax Ratio between Topical Administration Visit and Day 1 (Ophthalmic administration) Day 4/Day 1 0.3 (0.3, 0.3) 0.3 (0.2, 0.3) 0.2 (0.2, 0.3) 0.2 (0.2, 0.2) Day 18/Day 1 0.6 (0.5, 0.7) 0.3 (0.3, 0.4) 0.2 (0.2, 0.3) 0.2 (0.2, 0.2) Day 32/Day 1 0.4 (0.3, 0.4) 0.3 (0.3, 0.4) 0.3 (0.2, 0.3) 0.2 (0.2, 0.3) Quantifiable AUC_(0-24 hr) Ratio between Topical Administration Visit and Day 1 (Ophthalmic administration) Day 4/Day 1 0.6 (0.4, 0.7) 0.4 (0.3, 0.5) 0.3 (0.2, 0.4) 0.1 (0.1, 0.3)^(a) Day 18/Day 1 0.7 (0.6, 0.9) 0.5 (0.4, 0.6) 0.3 (0.2, 0.4) 0.5 (0.2, 0.8)^(a) Day 32/Day 1 0.5 (0.4, 0.7) 0.5 (0.4, 0.6) 0.3 (0.2, 0.4) 0.4 (0.3, 0.7)^(a) ^(a)should be taken with care due to the limited number of quantifiable AUC_(0-24 hr) (2 to 6) N.B.: Day4 

  first topical administration; Day 18 

  15th topical administration; Day 32 

 29th and last topical administration

In all the dosages and dose regimens tested the Ocular/Topical ratios calculated over the entire duration of the topical treatment period (Day 4, Day 18 and Day 32) were significantly lower than 1. The C_(max) mean ratio was 0.2 for 0.07% BID group, ranged from 0.2 to 0.3 for 0.18% QD and BID groups and ranged from 0.3 to 0.6 for 0.5% QD group. For C_(max), the upper limit of the 90% confidence interval did not include 0.8 whatever the dose and dose regimen tested. The highest ratio was observed in the 0.5 QD group (mean ratio 0.6, 90% CI [0.5-0.7]) after 15 days of application, but not confirmed at the end of the 29-day of topical treatment (mean ratio 0.4, 90% CI [0.3-0.4]). The same tendency was observed with the quantifiable AUC_(0-24 hr). The clinical results demonstrated that the systemic exposure obtained after topical treatment with all concentrations and regimens tested in the study is significantly lower compared to the systemic exposure obtained with the eye drops applied as recommended in the label of the ophthalmic products.

In conclusion, quantifiable PK profiles (at least C_(max)) were observed in all treatment groups. It has been found that although systemic exposure increased with the applied dose of brimonidine, statistical analysis showed that the increase in systemic exposure (C_(max)) was not dose proportional, i.e., the increase in the mean C_(max) was much less than the increase in the dose. No evidence for systemic accumulation was observed.

All evaluated concentrations and regimens were well tolerate and safe. No clinically meaningful reductions in mean IOP, vital signs or routine laboratory parameters were observed with any of the topical gel treatment groups. Increasing drug concentration or regimen had no effect on the incidence of related cardiac/vascular AEs. There is no identifiable relationship between any PK parameter and the incidence or severity of any AEs related to the topical gel. There were no SAEs reported during the treatment period with the topical gel for skin application (DAY 4 through study completion). Two SAEs were reported during the ophthalmic solution treatment period (DAYS 1-3) in two subjects, with one SAE (Acute Hypotensive Event) considered related to the ophthalmic solution. Both subjects with SAEs were discontinued from the study prior to any exposure to the topical gel.

The study results demonstrated that the systemic exposure obtained after topical treatment of the affected skin areas with all concentrations of brimonidine and regimens tested is significantly lower compared to the systemic exposure obtained with the eye drops (0.2% by weight brimonidine tartrate) applied as recommended in the label of the ophthalmic products.

Based on results from this comparative bioavailability and pharmacokinetics study, concentrations of brimonidine higher than 0.2% (w/w) can be used for topical administration to an affected skin area for safe and effective treatment of a skin disorder.

Example 7 Clinical Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Brimonidine Tartrate Gel Compositions

This was a 4-week treatment with 4-week follow-up, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, vehicle-controlled, multicenter study investigating the efficacy and safety of a topical gel composition containing 0.5% brimonidine tartrate (Gel 0.5%) applied topically once daily (QD) and a topical gel composition containing 0.18% brimonidine tartrate (Gel 0.18%) applied topically once daily (QD) or twice daily (BID) compared to Vehicle Gel applied topically once daily (QD) or twice daily (BID), to affected skin areas of subjects with moderate to severe facial erythema associated with rosacea.

Major entrance criteria included clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe facial erythema associated with Rosacea, CEA score≧3 and PSA-5 score≧3, presence of no more than 2 facial lesions, and IOP level at least 10 mmHg.

Qualified subjects were randomized in a 1:1:1:1:1 ratio (block size of 5) to one of the five treatment arms (0.5% QD, 0.18% BID, 0.18% QD, Vehicle BID, Vehicle QD).

A total of 269 subjects from 17 clinical sites were randomized to Topical Gel or Vehicle Gel: 53, 54, 54, 53, and 55 subjects in the 0.5% QD, 0.18% BID, 0.18% QD, Vehicle BID, and Vehicle QD arms, respectively. All 269 subjects were included in the ITT and Safety population, and 237 subjects were included in the PP population.

CEA and PSA evaluation data were collected at each clinic visit at Hours 3, 6, 9, and 12 after study drug application. Data collected at 30 minutes after study drug application comprised the secondary endpoints of CEA Initial Effect and PSA Initial Effect. Subject-reported efficacy data were collected at clinic visits and on non-clinic days during the treatment period. Safety were assessed throughout the study.

The primary endpoint, Composite Success, is defined as a 2-grade improvement on both CEA and PSA-5 measured at Hours 3, 6, 9 and 12 on Day 29 after the treatment. Statistical analysis was performed to compare each active treatment (0.5% QD, 0.18% BID and QD) vs. the corresponding Vehicle QD or Vehicle BID, respectively. Additional analyses for Composite Success on early treatment visits Day 15 and Day 1 were performed to further investigate the early treatment effect.

Maximal drug effect peaked between approximately 3 to 6 hours after dosing. On Day 29, statistically significant difference between 0.5% QD vs. Vehicle QD was observed (p<0.001). Consistently, the same superiority of 0.5% QD vs. Vehicle QD was observed on Day 15 (p<0.001) and Day 1 (p<0.001). The statistical results based on the ITT population (LOCF approach) were confirmed in the population point (PP) population and three sensitivity analyses (i.e. imputing missing data by assigning failure, success, and average data, respectively).

As shown in FIG. 1, superior treatment effect was clearly demonstrated in 0.5% QD, followed by 0.18% BID and QD. Consistently, 0.5% QD showed strong and robust effect as measured by Composite Success throughout the 12 hour duration, starting on Day 1 and continued till Day 29. Therefore, no evidence of tachyphylaxis was observed. The magnitude of the treatment effects were general similar between 0.18% BID and 0.18% QD. The lower vehicle effect in the Vehicle QD regimen resulted in better statistical outcome for 0.18% QD vs. Vehicle QD comparison.

In addition to the analysis on Composite Success, which is defined jointly by two independent static assessments, CEA-Success and PSA-5 Success were also analyzed individually. The magnitudes of the CEA-Success (FIG. 2) and PSA-5 (FIG. 3) Success were greater in all treatment groups compared to Composite Success but the pattern of the relative effects was same as observed in Composite Success. Consistently, 0.5% QD showed the greatest effect for CEA Success and PSA-5 Success; 0.18% QD and BID showed numerically better effect compared to Vehicle QD and BID, respectively.

The conclusion based on Composite Success, CEA-Success and PSA-5 Success was supported by PSA-5 Diary data (i.e. the subjects' daily recording of their facial redness) during the study.

The overall incidence of related adverse events (AEs) for the study was low. The number of related AEs was comparable between the treatment groups, and there was no significant difference in incidence of related adverse events between active and vehicle treatment arms. There was no significant increase in the number or severity of systemic or topical related AEs with increase in gel concentration or application frequency. No severe related AEs were reported during the study. There were no reported systemic cardiac AEs considered related to the study medication. No case of related facial flushing led to study discontinuation or interruption of daily treatment.

No clinically meaningful abnormal trends or shifts were observed in mean blood pressure (systolic and diastolic) or heart rate for any of the treatment groups during the treatment phase (Days 1, 15, and 29) or at the end of the follow-up period, and there was no observable difference in mean blood pressure or heart rate changes between active and vehicle arms. Increasing drug concentration or application frequency had no effect on the incidence of isolated vital sign abnormalities. There were no reported adverse events of acute hypotension, bradycardia, or syncope during the study.

This clinical study demonstrated that Gel 0.5% QD possessed superior efficacy compared to the corresponding vehicle and Gel 0.18% QD and BID treatments evaluated in the study (primary endpoint: Composite Success defined as a 2-grade improvement on both CEA and PSA-5 at Hours 3, 6, 9, and 12 on Day 29). The primary outcome was supported by the secondary endpoints. No unacceptable drug related adverse event was observed. Safety and tolerability of Gel 0.5% QD is favorable. No evidence of tachyphylaxis or rebound was found in the study.

Unlike ophthalmic applications of brimonidine, where the chronic use of lower concentration of brimonidine, e.g., 0.1% (w/w), provides improved tolerability while maintaining IOP-lowering efficacy, the present clinical studies unexpectedly discovered that higher concentrations of brimonidine provide significantly improved clinical efficacy in treating erythema or related symptoms, while not causing any observable change in patient safety and tolerability as compared to lower concentrations of brimonidine.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method of treating erythema or a symptom associated therewith in a subject, the method comprising topically administering to a skin area of the subject a topical aqueous gel composition comprising about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of at least one a adrenergic receptor agonist and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the skin area is, or is prone to be, affected by the erythema or the symptom associated therewith.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the erythema is erythema of rosacea.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist is an agonist selective for an α1-adrenergic receptor.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist is an agonist selective for an α2-adrenergic receptor.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist is a non-selective α-adrenergic receptor agonist.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist is brimonidine.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist is oxymetazoline.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist is naphazoline.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one α-adrenergic receptor agonist is selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrozoline, xylometazoline, phenylephrine, methoxamine, mephentermine, metaraminol, midodrine, epinephrine and norepinephrine.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering to the subject at least one additional treatment and medication for erythema or the symptom associated therewith.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical aqueous gel composition is administered to the skin area once daily.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.20% (w/w) to about 4.0% (w/w) gelling agent.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the topical aqueous gel composition comprises about 0.50% (w/w) to about 2.0% (w/w) carbomer. 